About Tennessee

A Guide to 55+ Active Living Communities in Tennessee

Written by Melissa McClave 

Retire Among Music and History in Tennessee

While Tennessee is best known as the “Volunteer State”, its contributions to modern American society are felt in all corners of the country. From world-famous “Tennessee Whiskey”, to a musical history that has touched all modern genres, Tennessee has a bespoke culture all its own. 

Whether you're looking to explore the Mississippi River's fertile floodplains or the “Smokies” mountain trails, Tennessee offers outdoor adventures across the state. Tennessee’s geography lends to diverse hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as opportunities for wildlife encounters. Fishing, swimming, and kayaking can be done on the state’s myriad rivers and lakes. The limestone substrate of the Cumberland plain lends itself to a variety of caves offering opportunities for spelunkers of all levels of experience. 

In Tennessee, history can be found in every corner. Exploring Indigenous sites left by the Shawnee, Chickasaw, and Cherokee are found in the mountains and valleys. Antebellum and post-Civil War sites are common throughout the state. Modern history is evident in Memphis and Nashville.

Tennessee is an affordable option to live and play in your next stage of life. The tax laws are friendly, and the medical centers are top-notch. Entertainment is available day and night.

Housing is also affordable throughout Tennessee, especially in its senior communities. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance community, a condominium community, or a  manufactured home community, there’s a budget-friendly lifestyle waiting for you. Waterfront and golf course communities offer residents luxury housing next your favorite pastime. 

Regions and Areas of Interest for Retirees

Tennessee’s three regions each have its own major city as well as rural retirement destinations.  Retire among farmland and mountain vistas, or seek out lively neighborhoods with like-minded fellow residents.

East Tennessee

East Tennessee is a prime destination for active older adults looking for adventure near their homes. The region is anchored by the city of Knoxville and includes the Great Smokey Mountains to the east, just past the town of Sevierville.

Oak Ridge is to the west of Knoxville and near the great retirement spots of Farragut, Lenoir City, Loudon, Fairfield Glade, Harriman, and Rockwood.

North of Knoxville, is the border towns of Bristol, Kingsport, Tazewell, Rutledge, and Mountain City to the east. While La Follette and Andersonville flank Knoxville on the west. 

The southernmost region of East Tennessee is anchored by Chattanooga and its suburbs of Ooltewah and Signal Mountain. The rural towns of Dayton and Decatur are northeast of Chattanooga. To the east is Benton, while Tracy City is to the west. 

Middle Tennessee

The most famous city in the Middle Tennessee region is the capital of Tennessee, Nashville. It’s a sprawling metropolis with a lively music scene. Some of Nashville’s active adult suburbs include the waterfront communities of Hendersonville. Brentwood is home to a sprawling arboretum. The historic suburb of Hermitage is perfect for residents who want to live surrounded by remnants of the past. Antioch, Madison, and Goodlettsville are also part of the Nashville metropolitan area.

Just north of Nashville is the rural enclave of Joelton. To the east, are a variety of lifestyle choices in the towns of Mt.Juliet, Lebanon, Gallatin, and Spencer. 

Heading south from Nashville you will find the towns of Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Thompson’s Station, Franklin, and Nolensville. The city of Spring Hill has brand new homes available in a master-planned community. 

West Tennessee

West Tennessee is the most affordable region of the state. It lies on the flat, alluvial plain of the Mississippi River. Most of the region is rural, with 55+ communities centered around the region’s metropolitan city of Memphis. There are many small communities like Cordova that offer affordable age-restricted, condominium communities near golf courses and shopping centers. 

North of Memphis, the community of Lakeland is the perfect place to settle down in a 55+ community that’s dotted with lakes and walking trails. To the south of Memphis, the town of Collierville is perfectly situated on the Mississippi border. 

Things to Do for Senior Retirees in Tennessee

Tennessee offers 55+ adults an array of both indoor and outdoor activities perfect for living an active lifestyle during retirement.

Activities Within 55+ Communities

The best active adult communities in Tennessee are full of things to do, from walking or biking the community trails to playing pickleball and tennis with neighbors. Exercise your green thumb at the local community garden, or play a round of golf at a golf course community. Waterfront communities even have their own boat docks and fishing opportunities!

Enjoy Hobbies at the Clubhouse

Clubhouses in Tennessee’s master-planned communities are the perfect place to host activities that allow residents to connect with like-minded neighbors. Watch the Memphis Grizzlies dominate the boards or the Tennessee Titans play their heart out with your neighbors. Hockey lovers can join together to watch the Nashville Predators take to the ice on the Clubhouse’s big screen. 

The clubhouse is also the place for neighborhood barbeques and special celebrations. Regular card tournaments, as well as arts and crafts classes, make the best use of the community space. 

Work Out at the Fitness Center

55+ communities with fitness centers make it easy to stay in shape without having to drive to an offsite location to exercise. Take fun fitness classes like yoga and Zumba, or use low-impact gym equipment like treadmills and resistance bands to keep active. When the weather makes it hard to exercise outside, the climate-controlled community fitness center is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood.

Swim in the Onsite Pool

Swimming is one of the best workouts for anyone who suffers from chronic injuries or joint pain! Cool off on hot days with a few laps around the community pool. Some communities even have private indoor pools that are heated year-round.

Community Gardens

No matter which region of Tennessee you decide to call home, the soil and climate are conducive to gardening. Having a community garden makes sharing produce and gardening tips a breeze. There are health benefits from having your hands in the soil while you tend to your raised beds, protected from the nibbling of wildlife. 

Discover the Best Senior-Friendly Activities Around Tennessee

Tennessee has many different outdoor opportunities to stay active. The fishing is great from the Mississippi River to the Smokey Mountains. You can be confident that you’ll catch bass, crappie, and walleye. Catfish is a staple most every fishing hole.

Hunting culture is strong in Tennessee. Deer and turkey are two popular types of game hunting in the state. You can find hunting spots in every region, although West Tennessee is the most rural and has a lot of small game. 

The hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife photography trails are found all over the state. For those looking for an underground adventure, the state offers some of the best cave systems in the country for exploring. 

There are over 200 golf courses scattered around Tennessee! Some of these courses are private, while others are open to the public. When golf is your passion, Tennessee has a variety of courses to choose from.

Listen to Live Music

Tennessee is known nationwide as the spot where many famous musicians got their start. Whether you’re a budding or seasoned musician or a music lover who enjoys live performances, Tennessee is the place to be! After all, the home of Elvis Presely, Graceland, is located in Memphis. Nashville is home to the Grand Ol’ Opry. Eastern Tennessee is known as the birthplace of Appalachian music, the forebearer of country music. 

Learn About History

Tennessee is full of historic sites that tell interesting stories from the past. Learn about its music scene at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Visit the residences of former presidents like Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk.

Tennessee is also home to several Native American sites and tribes that predate the arrival of Europeans. There is also a multitude of Civil War sites that will satisfy the hunger of any history buffs. These include Fort Pillow State Historic Park and Lookout Mountain.

Go Hiking

Active retirees will enjoy hiking Tennessee’s trails for exercise and birdwatching. Whether it’s a flat trail through the farmlands of the west or the mountainous trails in the east, active older adults will find a hiking trail to suit their needs. 

What Makes Tennessee Special for Residents

Tennessee is an active retiree’s paradise thanks to the large offering of things to do for residents and their visitors alike.  Outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are popular around the state. Retirees can also enjoy indoor activities such as listening to live music, visiting museums, and playing games at casinos.

Another attractive aspect of the state is its mild year-round weather with minimal snow. For those who want a budget-friendly place to retire, Tennessee has low taxes and a low cost of living as well.

Senior Housing Options in Tennessee’s Communities

Moving into a 55+ active adult community is the best way to retire in Tennessee. These communities come in a variety of styles to fit every budget, from rental communities and  manufactured home communities to waterfront communities and golf course communities and more.

Low Maintenance Communities

Low maintenance communities are well suited to seniors who don’t want to trouble themselves with lawn work. These communities often include property maintenance and landscape services. Some will also include onsite management and gated access.

Age Restricted Communities

Retire among people your own age in age restricted communities. These communities are safe and quiet with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to feel like part of the neighborhood.

Condominium Communities

Empty nesters looking to downsize during retirement will enjoy retiring in a condominium community. Owners are generally only responsible for maintenance inside their units. HOAs cover property maintenance and often include senior-friendly, onsite amenities.

Waterfront Communities

Seniors who love fishing and water sports should consider living in waterfront communities.

These master-planned neighborhoods feature single-story homes with community amenities like high-class dining and indoor pools.

Senior Health and Wellness in Tennessee

Tennessee has many distinguished healthcare facilities throughout the state such as Vanderbilt University Hospital and CHI Memorial. Seniors can also receive exceptional care for routine checkups and specialty services at Baptist Memorial in Memphis and Tennova in Clarksville.